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Woodgate wary of Swans test

Stoke defender Jonathan Woodgate believes the visit of Swansea to the Britannia Stadium on Sunday will be a tougher test than Valencia.

Last Updated: 25/02/12 4:17pm

Jonathan Woodgate: Expecting a tough game against Swansea

Stoke defender Jonathan Woodgate believes the visit of Swansea to the Britannia Stadium on Sunday will in some ways be a tougher test than Valencia.

The Potters went down to a brave 1-0 defeat at the Mestalla on Thursday, which sent the Spaniards through to the last 16 of the Europa League with a 2-0 aggregate win.

And with Brendan Rodgers' side earning numerous plaudits for their style of play, Woodgate claims City will have to be well prepared for the encounter.

The centre-back feels the side from South Wales could even prove more difficult than their European conquerors.

The former England defender said: "We have a big game on Sunday and we need to win it.

"Swansea are similar to Valencia. They play just as much football as them, in fact they even pass the ball a bit more than Valencia. We should be used to that now and it should be a good game.

"They (Swansea) have been first class. The way they have played their football and got to where they are is a credit to them. They had more possession than Arsenal, and they beat them - that is some job."